On Alto Sax you have the one and only JP, playing a Yanagisawa horn with a Runyon V chamber Jaguar mouthpiece # 4. I prefer soft reeds usually strength # 2 1/2 or 3. I primarily use Superial D.C. reeds made by Alexander. I've also had some luck with the Groove reed put out by Glotin.
I always get questions about my high quality backing tracks; they are not as difficult as they are time consuming to create. Let me tell you a little about how it is accomplished.
• First I download MIDI files either from the Internet or use audio files I have purchased at a music store. I then modify these files to my liking, i.e. adding tracks, deleting tracks, transposing tracks, all using a software package called: IDD Desktop Sheet Music 2003XP. This software package also allows me to print out lead sheets for any instrument, in my case Alto Sax.
• The problem with MIDI is it can sound a lot like video game music. To make it sound more realistic I have to run the MIDI through what is called a Sound Module. My module is made by Edirol, it is the SD-20 model. The module allows the MIDI files to come out sounding like real instruments. So realistic that people often think I had a live band record them for me!
• After I get the song sounding just as I like it I run the MIDI files through a software package that converts them to .wav files. From there I can convert them to .mp3 files and load them onto my iPod with no problems. My ipod holds 15gb so I have plenty of room to spare.
If you have any questions about this procedure please send me an email. I am happy to share.
Holding up my music is the Studio Stand made by R.A.T
On piano, bass, drums, and everything else let me introduce you to Edgar the iPod who is amplified by a state of the art Bose cylindrical sound system!
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